Olajuwon works works with Houston Rockets guard James Harden during the first practice of the training camp.

Olajuwon works works with Houston Rockets guard James Harden during the first practice of the training camp.

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

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Rockets center Dwight Howard shoots free throws.

Rockets center Dwight Howard shoots free throws.

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

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Rockets shooting guard James Harden heads to the locker room after the first practice of training camp.

Rockets shooting guard James Harden heads to the locker room after the first practice of training camp.

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

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Rookie Canaan eager to learn with Rockets

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Rookie Isaiah Canaan woke up Saturday morning ready for his chance on the floor at Toyota Center.

The Rockets drafted Canaan 34th overall in June. He was unable to play in summer league games because of an ankle injury.

Canaan said he is healthy and ready to play.

“It has been a long road,” he said. “From ending last season, then going into training and going into the workouts then waiting for the draft. Then I was injured for summer league and couldn’t play. I’m so happy that now I get to put it all together and finally get back on the court at 100 percent.”

Canaan averaged 21.8 points and 4.3 assists at Murray State last season. The 6-0 guard is known for his quickness, defense and shooting range.

After his first practice with the Rockets on Saturday morning, he said he already picked up some new knowledge.

“I learned a lot of things,” Canaan said. “ The certain ways they want to play, certain ways they want to guard the ball and just what this team is looking forward to this season. I saw how hard the team works, how hard the vets work and we have to continue to follow their lead.”

<center><strong>Francisco Garcia</strong>
Position: Small forward
Height: 6-7
Weight: 195
College: Louisville
Experience: 8 years
Contract status: Has a player option after the 2013-14 season.</center> less

<center><strong>Francisco Garcia</strong>
Position: Small forward
Height: 6-7
Weight: 195
College: Louisville
Experience: 8 years
Contract status: Has a player option after the 2013-14 ... more

<center><strong>Donatas Motiejunas</strong>
Position: Power forward
Height: 7-0
Weight: 222
College/Pre-NBA: Lithuania
Experience: 1 year
Contract status: Has a team option after the 2013-14 season.</center> less

<center><strong>Donatas Motiejunas</strong>
Position: Power forward
Height: 7-0
Weight: 222
College/Pre-NBA: Lithuania
Experience: 1 year
Contract status: Has a team option after the 2013-14 ... more

<center><strong>Greg Smith</strong>
Position: Power forward/Center
Height: 6-10
Weight: 250
College: Fresno State
Experience: 2 years
Contract status: Will be a restricted free agent after the 2013-14 season. </center> less

<center><strong>Greg Smith</strong>
Position: Power forward/Center
Height: 6-10
Weight: 250
College: Fresno State
Experience: 2 years
Contract status: Will be a restricted free agent after the 2013-14 ... more